Meet The Team
Our Medical Directors
Dr. Chippy Ajithan, MD
Co-Medical Director
"The Mindful Cardiologist"
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Dr. Chippy Ajithan is a board-certified cardiologist with Heart Specialists of Sarasota.
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After 20 years in practice, Dr. Chippy's focus on treating chronic disease has shifted towards lifestyle as the key to preventing, healing, and even reversing disease. She believes meditation is the prescription for change and when combined with movement, nutrition and self love, real transformation of body, mind and spirit can occur.
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Visit www.drchippy.com to join her free Wednesday night meditations.
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Sarasota Memorial Hospital’s 2019 Physician of the Year
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Medical Director, Ornish Lifestyle Program
Dr. Kirk Voelker, MD
Co-Medical Director
Dr. Voelker has over 30 years of practice as a pulmonologist and critical care specialist.
He now dedicates the majority of his time to developing health monitoring programs and technology to improve patient success rates. He shares an excitement for the influence that lifestyle changes can have on an individual's health.
Dr. Voelker is also co-owner of State Street Eating House + Cocktails with his wife Chris.
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Director of Clinical Research at SMH
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Sarasota Memorial Healthcare Foundation trustee and former chairman of the Grant's Committee
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Co-Founder of Quit Doc Research & Education Foundation
Our Coaches
Mikka Knapp, RDN
Program Coordinator
Program Coordinator & Registered Dietitian-Nutritionist
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Mikka is here to support, educate, and cheer you on! She is passionate about helping individuals reach their goals, improve their relationship with food, and support their bodies for a lifetime of health by making easy but impactful changes to their plates.
​Education:
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Registered Dietitian-Nutritionist (RDN)
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Florida State University, BS in Dietetics
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Tulane University School of Public Health
Certifications:
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Lifestyle Medicine Coaching, ACLM
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Integrative and Functional Nutrition, DIFM
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Health-Wellness Coach
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As a coach, Lauren is passionate about health, fitness, delicious food, cooking, and traveling. Lauren takes a holistic approach to her work and believes that even the smallest steps in the right direction can turn out to be the biggest steps in her clients’ lives. Emphasizing each of her client’s unique experiences, goals, and dreams, Lauren works with them to support their optimal health and well-being.
Education:
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American University, MS in Health Promotion Management
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Florida State University, BS
Certifications:
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Lifestyle Medicine Coach, ACLM
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Integrative Nutrition Health Coach, IIN
Lauren Pullman, MS
Health-Wellness Coach
Health-Wellness Coach
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A health coach who believes in the transformative power of mindful living, self-compassion and plant-based foods. As a future registered dietitian, Jordan’s mission is to clear up confusion by keeping nutrition simple and satisfying.
​Education:
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​UNC Chapel Hill, currently pursuing MPH-RD
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New College of Florida, BA
Certifications:
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Plant-Based Nutrition, Center for Nutrition Studies
Jordan Colbert, BS
Health-Wellness Coach
Health-Wellness Coach
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A motivating wellness coach and yoga instructor who encourages individuals to reach their goals through education, healthy eating, exercise, and most importantly, deep breathing. Kara is passionate about creating an individualized experience for clients to feel tuned in and turned on so they can be the best version of themselves.
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Education:
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Johnson & Wales University, BS
Certifications:
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Certified Wellness Coach, Cornell University
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Yoga instructor, 300 YTT
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Fitness Instructor, AFAA
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Breathing & Meditation Facilitator
Kara Saunders, BS
Health-Wellness Coach
Health-Wellness Coach
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Deniese has robust experience as a wellness coach, personal trainer, exercise instructor, nutritionist, and motivational speaker. Her current passion is teaching pilates at HealthFit, while her lifelong passion is helping others develop lasting strength - mind, body, and spirit.
Education:
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University of Kentucky, BA
Certifications:
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Certified Wellness Coach, AASDN
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Personal Trainer, AFAA
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Group Exercise Instructor, AFAA
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Yoga Instructor, YogaFit
Deniese Kragel, BA
Health-Wellness Coach
